There is no better time to earn some quick cash than during the holidays. A plethora of seasonal job options makes it easy to take on a position for the short-term without feeling the pressure to make a full-time commitment. But how do you know if a seasonal job is right for you? Here is a list of the pros and cons of accepting a seasonal job offer.

Pros of Seasonal Jobs

There is no doubt that taking on a seasonal job is an ideal way to earn some quick cash when you likely need it the most. Here are three of the key benefits of accepting a temporary job over the holidays.

• Quick Cash - The most obvious benefit of a temporary seasonal job is that you will generate extra cash in a hurry. This can be extremely helpful for most people who see their expenses rise during the expensive holiday season. Rather than go into debt buying presents for everyone on your gift list, this extra money can help you to save your finances when times are tight.



• Good Experience - A seasonal job is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Because it is a temporary position, you have nothing to lose. As a bonus, trying something different than what you usually do will be an excellent addition to your resume. It is a good idea to use this opportunity to gain experience in an arena that may benefit your career aspirations to get the most out of it.



• Take a New Company for a Test Drive - Many seasonal jobs evolve into permanent positions if it is a good fit on both ends. Taking a job with a temporary contract will allow you to take the organization out for a test drive while opening you up to further career opportunities. It is easy to discern what it is like to work for a company permanently when you are deep in the trenches yourself.

Cons of Seasonal Jobs

Before you jump into accepting a seasonal job, it is also important that you consider all of the drawbacks of this type of employment.

• Say Goodbye to Your Free Time - One of the biggest drawbacks of a seasonal job is that it usually necessitates that you work evenings and weekends. Keep in mind that your hours will be in addition to the full-time employees, meaning that you will likely get the short end of the stick in scheduling. It is also difficult for some people to commit themselves to work if they have extra social engagements because of the holidays. Lastly, if you are in the market for a full-time job, you need to consider that this time spent working may interfere with your ability to find permanent employment if it eats up too much of your free time.



• Poor Wages and No Benefits - It is important to understand that most seasonal jobs do not pay as well as permanent positions. In addition, it is a rare occurrence to receive benefits as part of your employment. If this position is in addition to your regular job, this probably will not be a concern to you. However, you need to realize that this does not provide the same benefits as a comparable full-time job.



• Little Training Options - Because the employer does not want to invest a significant amount of time into the training of a temporary employee, you will likely receive very little training for the job. This means that you will need to be able to think on your feet. It also means that you should only accept a job that you feel confident in being able to perform without an extensive training protocol.

Carefully considering all the advantages and disadvantages of seasonal work will help you to make an informed decision about your employment options during this time of the year. As long as you are realistic about your expectations, you will most likely come to the conclusion that a seasonal job is an ideal way to earn some extra money for the holidays while boosting your resume and exploring new career paths at the same time.